Newton Abbot is a town in South Devon which is often overlooked by tourists. People who come to Devon usually want to go to the seaside, but because it doesn’t have a beach, it is usually passed by. In spite of its lack of sea and sand, it still has a lot to offer. Great shops and a friendly, Devonshire vibe makes it a great place to visit. Here is a guide to some of the best thing to do in Newton Abbot.
Newton Abbot Shopping
Newton Abbot Market
The marketplace in the town is quite large. There is an outdoor market which sits just off the main street and it is joined to an indoor market. Outside, you will find traders selling shoes, blankets, toys and more. The indoor market has a few charity stalls, as well as stalls which sell household goods, clothes, and used books and DVDs. There is a lovely mix of new and old in the marketplace, and even if you don’t want to buy, it’s fun to look around.
Market Walk
Indoor market opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am – 4pm
Outdoor market opening time: Wednesday & Saturday 8am – 4pm
Phone: 01626 353567
Trago Mills
Trago Mills is both a shopping experience and an exciting visitor attraction. The store is huge, and sells everything you could ever think of. There are departments for toys, craft materials, home furnishings, car supplies and electronics. The best thing about it is that you can buy anything you want for less than you would pay in a specialist store. Trago Mills also has a garden centre, numerous places to eat, a vintage arcade, go-karts, a steam railway and much more.
Liverton, Newton Abbot
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am – 5.30 pm, Sundays 10am – 4pm
Phone: 01626 821111
Trago Mills
Newton Abbot Dining
Pizza Café
The Pizza Café in Newton Abbot is the absolute best place to go when you’re hungry. Don’t be fooled by the name, pizza isn’t all they serve. You can also get tasty jacket potatoes, wraps, and pasta dishes. Their desserts are second to none, and the staff are always very friendly and helpful.
43 Queen Street
Opening times: See website for details
Phone: 01626 201153
Pizza Café
Clock Tower Café
The Clock Tower Café is very much the stereotype of an English tearoom. Everyone who works there is exceptionally polite, and the food is amazing. From simple snacks to bigger meals, their main concern is great taste, and they achieve it every time. They have a large selection of delicious cakes too, so if you just want a quick drink and a slice of something yummy, this is the place to go.
2 Wolborough Street
Opening times: 9am – 4pm
Phone: 01626 332 194
Bear Feet
If you have children under the age of 12, a visit to Bear Feet is a must. It is a fun play house for your children to explore and enjoy. Inside, it holds a large play frame with slides, ball pools and a restaurant. Children will have a blast jumping around, and adults will get just as much fun out of watching them enjoying themselves! Admission is free for adults, and children under the age of one.
Olympus Business Park, Kingsteignton Road
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sundays 10am – 4 pm
Phone: 01626 336339
Bear Feet
Decoy Country Park
Decoy Country Park will give you a taste of the beauty of Devon’s countryside. It is a lovely place to visit just for a walk, but there is plenty to do there to keep you busy. You can get up close to the wildlife, play games on the sports pitches, have a picnic or even get a fishing permit to fish in the lake. It really is a stunning area not to be missed!
Decoy Road
Phone: 01626 215773
Decoy Country Park
Newton Abbot might not be a top tourist town, but it holds plenty of Devonshire charm, and it is well worth a visit.